From Japan’s historic Echizen region, Ilford’s new textured matte fine art paper is a distinct offering

by Jeremy Gray

posted Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 5:12 PM EDT

Since its formation in 1879, Ilford has long been associated with photography. Its name carries a lot of weight in the industry and is synonymous with high-quality and innovation. Its latest product - announced at Photokina - aims to combine both of those characteristics. Indeed, the new Galerie Washi Torinoko paper looks to combine a rich history of the Japanese paper with modern printing techniques.

The Washi Torinoko paper has a weight of 110gsm and features a traditional Japanese base and fine textured matte surface. The paper, while high-tech and coated with Ilford's inkjet coating, is stated to be "so refined that it looks like it has been handmade." While not handmade, its origins are nonetheless unique. Per Ilford's brand manager at MAC Group, Brenda K. Hipsher, the "beautiful new paper base is produced exclusively for Ilford on a traditional Japanese Tanmo machine in the Echizen area of Japan, an area that has been producing paper for over 1,500 years." Of Ilford's own coating, it allows for a wide color gamut and promises excellent reproduction of digital images.

The Ilford Galerie Prestige Washi Torinoko paper contains no optical brighteners and is acid free. Its opacity is rated at greater than 90%. The paper, available now in both sheets and rolls, joins five TIPA award-winning products in Ilford's diverse paper lineup, including their Galerie Prestige Gold Fibre Silk, Smooth Gloss and Pearl, Mono Silk and Gold Fibre papers. Pricing is not yet available, but the Washi Torinoko paper will be available in A4, letter, A3+, A2 and 17" x 22"-sized sheets and 24" and 44"-wide rolls.